Alabama's 'American Idol' dynasty: 8 singers from our state made their marks over first 14 seasons

Over the past 14 seasons, eight vocalists from our state have made their marks on the Fox reality series, earning spots in the top 10 and beyond. Alabama has produced two winners (both from the Birmingham area), two runners-up and four contestants claiming fourth, sixth, seventh and eighth place.

Countless other hopefuls from Alabama have tried their luck during the TV show's cattle-call auditions, leaving the process with dashed hopes and drooping shoulders after singing just a few notes for the production staff.

Another bunch -- perhaps 18 singers total -- has made it past the celebrity judges and received golden tickets to Hollywood, competing during a grueling round of cuts and falling short of the top 24.

By any estimation, though, Alabama vocalists have been tightly intertwined with "Idol," and their impact on the show cannot be denied. Hoover native Taylor Hicks, for example, won the crown in 2006 during the show's peak season, helping to draw in more than 30 million weekly viewers.

Other Alabamians may pop up, as well, as the series moves on to auditions in other cities and winnows its list to the coveted top 12. Traditionally, that's when the live shows begin -- early episodes are filmed in advance -- and the remaining competitors begin to sing for America's votes.

As viewers wait to encounter the next crop of contenders, here's a look back at Alabama's "American Idol" dynasty:

The Birmingham resident inched past Clay Aiken to grab the "Idol" title in 2003. In the process, Studdard earned the nickname "Velvet Teddy Bear" for his smooth vocal stylings and hefty physique. His coronation anthem was a winner, too: "Flying Without Wings."

The grey-haired soul singer from Hoover stood out from the crowd in 2006, covered several pop hits and earned a devoted fan base with his shouts of "Soul Patrol!" Hicks won the contest amid a blizzard of confetti. His coronation ballad: "Do I Make You Proud."

The Birmingham native earned fans in 2004 with her big voice and perky personality, covering songs that ranged from "Turn the Beat Around" to "Because You Loved Me." During her "Idol" season, she acknowledged her Birmingham roots but claimed Snellville, Ga., as her hometown. DeGarmo made the finals, but was bested by a vocal powerhouse, Fantasia Barrino.

The long-haired singer-songwriter, a Huntsville native, lived in Helena during his "Idol" run in 2005. Bice impressed judges with his quiet confidence and soulful vocals. He became a fan favorite and made the finals, coming in second to country singer Carrie Underwood. Finest moment: his dramatic cover of "In a Dream" by Badlands.

The Opelika native, a graduate of Huntsville High School, used his raspy voice and stage experience to impress judges and viewers in 2011. McDonald, a veteran of the Southeast nightclub scene, made the leap to national TV after fronting bands such as Hightide Blues and the Grand Magnolias. He finished his "Idol" run in eighth place.

The rock singer-songwriter from Slapout distinguished herself by performing two original songs on "Idol" during her run in 2014: "Blue-Eyed Lie" and "Done." Meuse had an up-and-down experience with the judges; they gave a united thumb's up to her originals, but seemed lukewarm on several covers. Her skills shone through, however, and Meuse finished in fourth place.

The country-soul singer from Jasper earned fans in 2014 with his real-deal authenticity and good-guy appeal. For that, all three judges gave him an enthusiastic thumb's up. His run on the show was rocky, however, as Harris, a self-taught singer, struggled with his pitch. He finished in sixth place.

The country singer from Fayette mined the "bro country" songbook during his run on the show in 2014, covering anthemic songs with party-hearty appeal. He raised a ruckus in his home state with a rendition of "Sweet Home Alabama," tossing in a "Roll Tide!" for good measure. Although he earned kudos, the judges chastised him for the inability to "make a song your own." Roberts took the seventh-place spot.